Sorry, PF, technically, the whole thing is the da Vinci(R) Surgical System. Although sometimes referred to as a robot, it is 100% under the control of the surgeon. It is not programmable nor is it able to be controlled via a computer or other device, hence, it is not a robot (sorry, the technical writer/editor in me could not resist). And the manufacturer calls it a surgical system.

Now, I know all of that, I also know the technical terms for the "arms" are "waldoes". But the romantic in me calls it a robot...being a lifelong Science-Fiction freak, I can't help it.

__________________

__________________“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” - Albert Einstein